And so here we are, waiting patiently in number 18 side room in UCLH... Mark, Rob and me.

Both hips are now replaced, tender but loud loving care given 24/7 by a group of medics, all of whom captivated and enthralled by wonderful Mark.

His first op was 6th May, no problems in theatre but  frantic calls to teams when Mark collapsed unconcious shortly after returning to his room.

After much reassurance and many procedures Mark was cheery in bed with a host of people surrounding his bed like an army of uniformed angels bearing sugar coated orders...

Then the next Friday came...and another gruelling wait for dad and me while Dr Dhir and his colleagues worked on Mark.

The building is newish and whilst sipping coffee downstairs in Costas I looked at some artwork, obviously installed to bring on a feeling of calm. It was cool but hardly a Turner more like Pollack. But it did its job, taking me out of the arena so to speak.

People buzzed around like insects going here and there stopping occasionally to chat with each other, masks permitting.

So after draining the cup and finishing off a raisin Danish we plodded up to Mark's room. It's large airy and has a window which doesn't open. Air conditioning is the thing here in this state of the art department. We talked a bit mostly about what's going to happen next.

How long before we leave and how long can you go without sleep before illness sets in. That sort of thing.

Then a nurse popped in and took us down to recovery where Mark lay drowsy of course and wired up. As I leaned over him tears appeared in my eyes. he's not even MY child yet I have the protective instinct only a good natural mum would have.

Enough sentimentality, gets you nowhere.

So since last Friday it has been a case of three sleepless nights, many administerings of drugs in drips, a barrage of excitable nurses, thoroughly decent cleaners, enthusiastic physios and awesome doctors. Mark is in such good hands.

Earlier today we went for a stop and start stroll along the corridor, Mark using his walking frame of course, a fall would be catastrophic. He did well. The standing at a bar doing squats however is not Mark's fav activity.

But bless him he strode along, feet splayed, but he's getting there getting there getting there.

Rob and me have had words. Only natural I suppose. Having not been able to go outside, streetside, fresh air sunshine and wonderful things like that since...28th April. Had to self isolate from that day until we left home for the hospital on 5th May.

It's been eye wateringly frustrating, being in a room, albeit a large one, since the 5th, unable even to leave the hospital for a gulp of air.

gotta go now

Just been told Mark needs blood transfusions.

And another thing..sodium levels critical .

And Mark 'hears' none of this because he is in his own world where everything is fine.